Santa Maria

At less than 6 hours flight from the biggest European capital cities, generously touched with trade wind and winter swells, the island of Sal is one of the best places in the world for surfing watersports, be it windsurfing, surfing or kiteboarding. Santa Maria is situated on the southern coast of the island. Here the sandy and almost deserted beach that stretches for over 8 km, combined with a steady side-offshore wind from the left, makes the spot an ideal zone for kitesurfers of all levels. Beginners will find plenty of space where to launch and land their kites here. Advanced and expert riders can have fun at Punta Leme Velho just 1 km upwind, famous for it's white sands and crystal-clear, turquoise waters. Much of the year is reasonably warm (25°C/77°C) and dry, hotter and more humid (30°C/86°C) during the 'wet' season (July-September) not that rainy here. If your travel mate is not that much into water sports, diving is some of the best in West Africa (Buracona Hole), and the salt fields of Pedra Lume are worth a visit. If you are looking for big nightlife, then head somewhere else: villages of Sal are quiet except for a couple of local discos at the wekends in the main town.